Have a few questions for the AKV experts

[pditullio]

Hi everyone!

Okay, so AKV is the only DVC resort we've not tried and are planning to tick it off the list in May .

Have a few questions as we are getting ready to make the reservation:

1) We need a 1BR with the 2 baths (have 5 people) Are these available only at Kidani, or at Jambo as well? If we have 5 people, will this be a guarantee, or only a request?

2) Tell me your thoughts on Jambo vs. Kidani...does it matter in your opinion and if so in what way?

3) We are hoping for Savanna view - can you tell me which locations I should be requesting to view which animals? I have seen this discussed before. Or just recommended locations in general?

4) How far is the walk from Kidani to Jambo?

Any other recommendations? We will have a rental car, so proximity to bus stops, etc. not that big of a deal to us.

Thanks very much. We don't know a lot about this resort, but my son have been asking to stay there for the last 5 trips, so I really want to do it right to make his wait worthwhile.

 

[erionm]

1) Only the Kidani Village 1-bedroom (and larger) units have the extra bath. You will know when you book if you are in Kidani Village or Jambo House. Depending on the room category you can tell MS which building you want. You will check-in at the building you are confirmed at.

 

[DebbieB]

You specifically reserve Kidani or Jambo. All the Kidani 1 bedrooms have the extra bath.

I would request close to lobby for the best viewing of the animals. There are 2 savannahs at Kidani. Only the Sunset Savannah has giraffes and zebras. The Pembe Savannah has Okapi. I would request the Sunset Savannah, it's larger.

The distance between Jambo and Kidani depends on where your room is. Between the lobbys it is about 1/4 mile. If you have a car, you can drive over. Also any park bus will take you over to Jambo. The Downtown Disney bus will take you back to Kidani.

 

[pditullio]

1) Only the Kidani Village 1-bedroom (and larger) units have the extra bath. You will know when you book if you are in Kidani Village or Jambo House. Depending on the room category you can tell MS which building you want. You will check-in at the building you are confirmed at.

I was confusing, sorry. I know that I will book one or the other specifically, I was just asking what my options were for that choice because I wasn't sure if any Jambo 1 bedrooms had the extra bath. So if I want a 1 bedroom with 2 baths, it pretty much has to be Kidani then?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm one who has had better luck at Jambo than Kidani. I'm not thrilled with the long hallways either way, but we have always had much better animal viewing at Jambo. Our favorite is Uzima savanna on the "outside" rim of Zebra trail.

 

[pditullio]

I'm one who has had better luck at Jambo than Kidani. I'm not thrilled with the long hallways either way, but we have always had much better animal viewing at Jambo. Our favorite is Uzima savanna on the "outside" rim of Zebra trail.

But if I understand correctly, Jambo is not an option for me, since I need a 1BR with 2 baths, yes?

 

[erionm]

But if I understand correctly, Jambo is not an option for me, since I need a 1BR with 2 baths, yes?

Yes, you would need to reserve at Kidani Village if you need a 1-bedroom with 2 baths.

 

[DebbieB]

All Jambo 1 bedrooms have 1 bathroom only. They are also smaller. Since you will have a car, I would definitely go with Kidani. Parking is much easier there too.

 

[johnsonville5]

Just got back from AKV in july. Our first time staying there and we loved it.
1. If you want a 1 Bd with 2 baths you will to stay at Kidani village.

2. We stayed at Kidani village and loved it. Not a busy as the whole area a Jamo house.

3. We had a Savanna view and all of these have great views. Lots of time sitting on the balcony and watching the animals.

4. Long walk between the two especally with kids. We took the car. Biggest problem was the parking at Jambo house. It was raining and we had to park way out and got soaked. This was my only complaint about the AKV.

We will be staying at Kidani again. staff was fantastic.

 

[newyorkmike]

Previous posters have addressed most of your questions, but I would add that if you are able to get a savannah view room, request a lower level room. IMO, the view are much better from the lower floors in that they are closer to the animals.

Also, while I understand the importance of the extra bathroom, you should also consider the absence of any counter service restaraunts and only the one table service restaraunt at Kidani. Some do not care because they intend to do their own cooking in the full kitchen but if you intend to use the dining plan, having to trek over to Jambo X times a day for meals may be an annoyance.

Lastly, IMO, the water play area at Kidani village is one of the best for young kids in all of the WDW resorts. Lots of different and unique ways to get wet and keep the kids occupied.